Headlines

Sakic breaks 3 fingers in snow blower accident

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) -Colorado Avalanche captain Joe Sakic, already sidelined by back problems, broke three fingers in a snow blower accident at his home and will be out at least three months.

The Avalanche announced Sakic had surgery Tuesday night for the broken fingers and tendon damage. Team doctor Andy Parker said the procedure went well and that Sakic is expected to make a full recovery.

Sakic was already being treated for a herniated disc, which was expected to keep him out until mid-January.

It's been an injury-riddled season for the 39-year-old Sakic, who decided to return for a 20th year after almost retiring during the offseason. Sakic had his most trying season last year, missing 38 games after hernia surgery.

The center originally strained his back in the weight room in early November, causing him to miss a game against Minnesota.

He returned two days later before being sidelined for five more games because of his bad back. He hasn't played since hurting it again in his first shift in a game at Phoenix on Nov. 28.